knocking down the existing garage and building a new structure could be a problem on the boundary but it would be very easy to remove the tiltadoor and add some clear lazerlite panels and/or a ventilator to the roof to improve light and ventilation (and upgrade the old lazerlite at the back door at the same time) but would you still want some security? what about replace the old tiltadoor with a new automatic opening roller door and install a steel framed security screen door at the back (we're very happy with ours in a similar situation)

I think a new roller door / tilt door would work magic. You may want to cut in a window in the garage wall to add light on the internals? And a new rear door. Godluck!

I would also trim back your bush just next to the back wall . Greeneries tends to attact spiders.

You could also add studs in and plaster the internal walls . That way it should brighten it up with coats of white paint.

Like suggested above an automatic garage door? a security door in place of that garage back door would help with ventilation .

I wouldn't interfere with the brick works until all other options have been looked at.

sorry about the picture not loading, it's a picture of the steel screen door we installed in our garage, taken directly off the Bunnings website showing Bastion brand screen door $169..it's a steel frame with steel mesh not flyscreen with a locking handle..I can see the wooden paling fence now i look in daylight!...only meant to remove the section of fence next to your brick wall but if your neighbour's a grump he may not cooperate with any changes..it appears the fence was installed before the garage and i'd want a survey to confirm the correct boundary before anything was removed (once taken down a boundary structure may not legally be able to be rebuilt and structures usually have to be about 90cms off the boundary.. i believe the cost of labour to carefully remove the brick walls to save the roof and install steel support poles would be much more than adding the new doors and roof ventilator (you also have to pay to remove the rubble!!) all reinforcing my suggestion it would be more cost effective to improve the existing

If you have a grumpy neighbour I wouldn't think of doing anything on the exterior of the garage wall except patching or lining the interior wall (depending on car space). You can purchase garage doors with highlight windows across the top and perhaps a glass rear door would improve interior light. Paint and updating undercover area at the rear of the garage would add to this, Love the 70's flat roof, I have a double one which has our solar system installed on it, no ugly panels to be seen.

sounds like a plan, good luck

yeah!! i wonder if a severely pruned Philodenedron?? (can't see the Aspidistra) might live in a big pot or try advertising plants on Gumtree before they go in the bin...happy the plants are leaving as there's probably a build up of soil contributing to the damp and after the old lazerlite also goes you'll have a much better idea of how much space there is and you could post some photos for some more ideas...there might be a lovely little courtyard (or another spot for the bins) waiting to be uncovered!! happy clearing!!

the strappy plants look like neglected Dracenas although greener thumbs than mine will have a better idea but i think that they could happily be dug up and potted or transplanted (or advertised on Gumtree) and would look so much better with some TLC ...looking forward to your next installment!!

Hi Franklis

Don't get attached to it as it may be detached (excuse the pun) ...it may be demolished as I fear it may not be legal, because you say it is dark and could have been built without a permit and obviously no lighting.

Legal or not, maybe you could make it a walk through sunroom to a carport or garage out the front with a electric door, is there sufficient setback from the road for this? Maybe a double garage if the adjacent room is not a bedroom.

Definantely keep the old garage, it's been there much too long to be considered illegal, your neighbour would also love the privacy it provides to both of you, we have a similar one next to our pool, we love it. Agree some gardening and clearing away some old bits and pieces. Just attaching a couple more photos, don't throw the plants away just repurpose them. the first photo is of a builders house, he used the existing garage as a games room with added pergola over original driveway, a second carport is off to the left looks brilliant (they get quite a lot of sun on this side). The next two are before and after shots of a mid centuary house similar to your's, the last photo is of our current house, flat roof garage is hiding solar panels, we have changed the colour pink to a more original one, grey green.

Franklis, the council would tell you. I meant a freestanding gge or carport out the front and a suggestion of a sunroom conversion or anything (for access to the house).

Meanwhile as Vy says, white page paint will do wonders to brighten it up. Dont let the water leak get to the light.

I wouldn't spend a lot of money tearing the structure down, as it is a functioning garage. A new one like your picture will be well out of style with your house and draw attention to the age of your house which could detract from the overall street appeal.

I would replace the garage door with a modern one with light panels. You could add a skylight quite cheaply in the garage and definitely trim back the problematic plants. Definitely patch any missing mortar.

The clear paneling over the door at the back could be removed and the security screen replaced.

I think return for investment- these things would be fine.

I'd plant a climber along the full length of the fence leading to the garage -- or erect a framework of posts and wires for growing espaliered fruit trees which looks very "classy", then I'd simply replace the doors according to what you like (and the rear door, too).

Then I suggest creating a screen for the bins and with a clean-up of the plants, a couple of dramatic pots either side of the new door and a coat of paint you'll have a sparkling "new-look" garage that still fits with the house's architecture.